The Lake District is pure magic – a place where rolling green hills meet sparkling waters, and every winding lane seems to lead to another breathtaking view. Whether you’re up for an adventure, a peaceful stroll, or simply soaking up the scenery with a good meal, the Lake District has it all. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots to visit – plus a few delicious places to eat along the way!
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery
The Lake District is home to one of the most pristine and beautiful natural environments in the world. It is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, with dozens of locations and a wide range of outdoor activities. Here are a few of the best outdoor activities in the Lake District National Park:
Take a lake cruise on Windermere or try rowing boat hire
No trip to the Lake District is complete without a visit to Windermere – England’s largest natural lake.
Hop on a lake cruise from Bowness for stunning views of the water and surrounding hills – a wonderfully relaxed way to explore. Or hire a rowing boat for a more active adventure across the water. Prefer to stay on land? Head up to Orrest Head for a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views that inspired a young Alfred Wainwright.
There are 18 islands on the lake, home to a wide variety of wildlife. Lakes Aquarium is also a wonderful day out and is located on the southern shore of Lake Windermere.
Taking all the family to the Lake District? No problem. There’s plenty of fun activities for the whole tribe in Windermere. After you have enjoyed a Windermere lake cruise, head to The World of Beatrix Pooter Attraction in Bowness – it’s charming for kids and grown-ups alike!
Enjoy a walk around Derwentwater
Located in the borough of Allerdale, Cumbria, Derwentwater is a spectacular natural body of water in the Lake District National Park. Walking around the lake is one of the most fun, relaxing and peaceful activities in the Lake District. The lake features many islands including St Herbert’s island, named after the 7th-century hermit priest, St. Herbert of Derwentwater. It’s largely untouched by modern development and is surrounded by numerous paths.
Stay at Derwentwater House the perfect place to set up base camp!
Hike in Great Langdale
Great Langdale is home to several hiking trails with varying degrees of complexity. The scenery is spectacular, with the nearby mountains framing the green pastures and woodlands. The trails in Great Langdale are among the best walks in the United Kingdom and should not be missed!
Take a walk in Ambleside
Nestled at the northern tip of Windermere, Ambleside is a haven for hikers and those who love a lively, fun outdoorsy atmosphere.From here, you can head out to Stock Ghyll Force, a beautiful 70-foot waterfall that’s just a short stroll from the town centre. For more serious hikers, Ambleside is the gateway to some incredible routes like Loughrigg Fell and the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Top tip: Explore the historic Bridge House – one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District National Park.
Family fun at Predator Experience
Spend a day with wolves, hawks and other predators indigenous to the region. Exciting and interesting, the Predator Experience informs nature lovers about predators’ important role in the natural environment.After all that history, and you want to stay dry, why not head inside and indulge the kiddos (and adults) at Lakes laser tag.
Climbing Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Helvellyn is a 3,117-foot mountain that provides a challenging and exciting hiking experience. The views are superb all year round, plus you can enjoy an adventure you’ll never forget.
Adventure activities in Keswick
Up in the north of the Lake District National Park, Keswick is your go-to for outdoor adventures.As mentioned previously, Derwentwater is a must-see – you can hire a rowing boat, take a cruise or simply stroll along the shores. If you’re feeling brave, tackle the hike up Catbells, a relatively short climb with epic views from the top.
Family fun: Don’t miss the Derwent Pencil Museum – yes, it’s all about pencils, and yes, it’s oddly fascinating!
Boat fun in Buttermere
This is a more relaxing walk. It is flat and suitable for young children or older people. Follow streams into lakes and enjoy a picnic. It’s also another great spot for boat hire if you want to get on the water.In addition to hiking and boating, there are fantastic opportunities for many other outdoor recreational activities including hiring bikes to ride, fishing, water skiing, rowing, canoeing, rock climbing and much more.
Discover Ullswater – a hidden gem
Ullswater is often described as the Lake District’s most beautiful lake – and once you see it, you’ll understand why.Take a ride on the Ullswater Steamers, traditional boats that cruise from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. Hikers will love the walk to Aira Force waterfall, a gorgeous hidden spot surrounded by ancient woodland.If you want something fun to do with children, take them to an outdoor play area in Ullswater. They can enjoy the breathtaking scenery while swinging!
Brockhole on Windermere – adventure and relaxation in on place
Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, Brockhole on Windermere is a vibrant hub for families, thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Managed by the Lake District National Park Authority, this expansive site offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities, scenic gardens, and engaging events.Embrace Windermere lake cruises by hiring a rowing boat, kayak or paddleboard. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or a fun-filled family outing, exploring Windermere by water is a must. Boat hire is available directly from Brockhole’s lakeshore.
The best restaurants and pubs in the Lake District
Exploring the fells and lakes is hungry work – luckily, the Lake District is packed with cosy pubs, stylish restaurants and cute cafés. Dining experiences range from exquisite fine dining to wholesome fresh food and yummy pies. Here are a few firm favourites:
The Drunken Duck Inn (Ambleside)
A beautiful country inn with its own microbrewery and a creative, ever-changing menu featuring local produce. Booking The Drunken Duck Inn ahead is a must!
The Old Stamp House Restaurant (Ambleside)
This is a small and intimate restaurant with a beautiful ambience. The Old Stamp House restaurant arguably provides the best fine dining experience available in the Lake District.
Birkmere Hall is one of the most unique properties in the Lake District, and you can stay there!
L’Enclume (Cartmel)
If you’re looking to treat yourself, Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred L’Enclume is a food lover’s dream – think foraged ingredients, inventive techniques and dishes that are a true work of art.
The Jumble Room (Grasmere)
Funky, colourful, and packed with personality, The Jumble Room serves up comforting, hearty dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.
Chesters by the River (Skelwith Bridge)
For something a little more relaxed, Chesters offers amazing veggie-friendly lunches, decadent pastries, and great coffee – all beside a babbling river.
Sight-seeing and Historical Sites
The Lake District has a rich and interesting historical past, with some historical sites dating back thousands of years. Some of the most interesting places to visit include:
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House
The home of Beatrix Potter, the famous author, illustrator and scientist. The home is still filled with her favourite possessions and is a charming place to visit.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
One of the first stone circles built in Britain, its age is estimated to be approximately 5,000 years old. The location also has some of the most beautiful views in the Lake District.
Furness Abbey
Step back in time and visit the ancient ruins of Furness Abbey. A monastery built in 1123, the ruins feature some beautiful medieval stonework.
Holker Hall and Gardens
One of the most impressive stately homes in the UK, Holker Halls and Gardens features magnificent gardens which are a delight to explore.
Long Meg and her Daughters
A bronze age stone circle which features more than 60 stones. Long Meg is a 12-foot-high block of red sandstone. A truly magical place to visit in the Lake District that you won’t soon forget.
Hutton in the Forest
A magnificent stately home set amongst acres of gardens. Hutton in the Forest offers tours of the house and gardens as well as a woodland walk. A tea room is also on the estate.
Activities for the Whole Family
There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy in the Lake District – from wild swimming in one of England’s largest lakes to the Steam Train at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
One of the most beautiful steam train journeys in England, this 40-minute ride will take you through some of the best parts of the Lake District. It’s the oldest, longest and most scenic railway in the Lakes!
Theatre by the Lake
Located in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake hosts a wide range of performances including plays, musical performances, comedies and films.
Go Ape at Grizedale Forest Cumbria
A fantastic forest adventure for kids and adults. Go Ape includes a tree top walk, zip wires and swings. What more could you want?
Treetop Trek at Zip World
35 treetop challenges including swings, climbing walls, abseiling, zip wires and much more at Zip World. There’s always an adventure in the Lake District.
Crafty Monkeys
A perfect day out for the more artistic people in the family, Craft Monkeys has many arts & crafts activities on offer including painting, pottery, deco patch and more.
Lakeland Motor Museum (Backbarrow)
A great day out for car lovers, the motor museum features dozens of classic cars, bikes and trucks. The Lakeland Motor Museum is the ideal day out for all those petrolheads!
The Puzzling Place (Keswick)
Do you love puzzles? The Puzzling Place in Keswick has plenty of puzzles and hilarious optical illusions.
Go for an adventurous getaway
For those craving excitement and adventure, The Lake District doesn’t disappoint. Here are some handy suggestions if you fancy a more action-packed getaway.
Crags Adventures
A family-run company offering gorge walking, canyoning, abseiling, via ferret, rock climbing and more. Crags Adventure is suitable for ages 7 and up.
Keswick Extreme Outdoor Activities
Keswick Extreme Outdoor Activities is perfect if you’re up for some rock climbing, scrambling, mine climbs, abseiling, white water tubing and more!
Lakeland Ascents
Focussing on rock climbing, abseiling and canyoning they also offer fantastic guided walks in the Lakeland fells.
Eden Valley Adventures (Penrith)
Eden Valley Adventures offers Ghyll Scrambling, Climbing, Abseiling, Canoeing, Via Ferrata and Raft Building. Family-friendly and suitable for people of all ages.
Skydive Northwest (Flookburgh)
One of the best ways to see the Lake District is from a great height and you can’t much higher than an aeroplane! Skydive Northwest have experienced instructors and can help beginners enjoy skydiving for the first time.
Where to rest your head in the Lake District
There’s no better way to soak up the stunning scenery and peaceful vibes than staying in a beautiful holiday cottage. Whether you dream of a cosy hideaway for a group of ten or a grand retreat with everyone invited, you’ll find the perfect place with kate & tom’s.
Our handpicked Lake District cottages offer everything from lakeside luxury to charming countryside escapes, making your next adventure truly unforgettable. Take a look and start planning your dream getaway today!
